Support for Relationships and Moral Education in Catholic Secondary Schools Thursday 25 th May 2006 Sam McFadden, Project Development Officer Called to Love

“All schools are expected to provide sex and relationships education... consistent with the principles and aims of national guidance on the conduct of sex education.” Respect and Responsibility, 2005 National Context

“It is recognised that religious authorities with a role in denominational education do provide guidance for their denominational schools and that right will continue as at present.” Scottish Executive, Circular 2/2001 National Context

Historical Background February 1999‘Towards a Healthier Scotland’. October 1999Executive announces plans to repeal Section 28, Paragraph 2A, of the Local Government Act,1986. February 2000Working group set up, chaired by Mike McCabe, DoE, Sth. Ayrshire. June 2000McCabe Report published. February 2001Healthy Respect Phase 1. March 2001Circular 2/2001. February 2003CEC Guidance Notes to accompany recently published Guidelines document. January 2005‘Respect and Responsibility’. August 2005‘Called to Love’ project.

What is ‘Called to Love’? Partnership project between Healthy Respect and SCES, the Scottish Catholic Education Service. To produce a package of teaching and support resources to facilitate the delivery of appropriate and coherent programme of RME in Catholic secondary schools. Set within a context of love, respect, responsibility and moral reasoning. Fully supportive of Church teaching and in line with the guidelines produced by the CEC.

“Love is therefore the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being.” Pope John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio Why ‘Called to Love’?

“Deus Caritas Est.” “God is love and whoever lives in love lives in God, and God lives in him.” (1 Jn.4:16) “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength... And you shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mk ) “Respect for each other and strong, trusting relationships based on sound values, are at the heart of our national, community and personal wellbeing.” (Andy Kerr)

Why ‘Called to Love’? Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being.” (Familiaris Consortio) We are created for love. This is the reason for our very existence; to love and be loved as God loves. Therefore, in this respect we are each of us ‘Called to Love.’

Project Aims 1.To develop curricular guidance and appropriate resources on sex and relationships education for use in Catholic schools. 2.To develop and deliver appropriate training and support for teachers and other professionals working in this area. 3.To evaluate and review materials to enable the final production of final resources and CPD materials. 4.To work in partnership with parents and relevant interest groups.

Project Development Based on existing good practice, a range of teaching resources will be produced. S1 materials are currently being piloted in seven schools within three local authorities. CPD training has been delivered at two venues to teachers from the pilot schools. The first issue of the project newsletter has been produced and distributed. A website for the project: is currently under construction. Support materials for parents and other relevant interest groups will be devised. Pupils materials for S2 to S6 will be devised and piloted by December 2006.

“The purpose of sex education is to provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of sexuality and the processes of human reproduction within the context of relationships based on love and respect.” Scottish Executive, Circular 2/2001 Called to Love

Key Features Promote a Catholic Christian understanding of the dignity of the human person, made in the image and likeness of God. Develop an appreciation of the importance of love in relationships and an understanding of sexuality as a gift from God. Relationships set within a context of spiritual and moral formation. Promote marriage as a sign of the relationship between God and humankind. Develop an appreciation of family life. Develop understanding and skills required for moral decision-making and responsible actions.

Important Principles The rights of young people to be positively and prudently informed on moral and sexual issues. The rights of parents to be consulted and informed about the contents of the project materials. The sanctity of human life. Relationships based on love and self-giving. The virtues of modesty and chastity. The forming of conscience. The values of respect, trust, honesty and compassion. The importance of personal responsibility. The importance of marriage and the family. The value of abstinence outwith marriage.

“We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.” Pope Benedict XVI Called to Love

Support for Relationships and Moral Education in Catholic Secondary Schools Thursday 25 th May 2006 Sam McFadden, Project Development Officer Called to Love